7 Online Business Models You Need to Know About

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written byMaria Eves

Starting Out...

When you’re first starting out, it can be hard to know what type of online business model to follow.

Sure, if you have an existing business with brick-and-mortar locations, then transitioning your products or services to the internet makes sense. But for many people, this isn’t the case.

So how do you know which model is best for your passion - your niche.

AFFILIATE MARKETING

Affiliate marketing is a great option for bloggers and other businesses that want to generate additional revenue streams. Affiliates are paid a commission when they refer customers (or visitors) to online retailers, which means they’re incentivized to help you drive traffic and sales. If you’re looking for an income stream with tons of flexibility, affiliate marketing is one of our favorite options! Especially being part of an eco - system model where there are ongoing passive income streams coming in. More affiliate marketing tips

MULTI LEVEL MARKETING

When it comes to Multi-Level Marketing or MLM, companies like Amway do get a lot of flack for being scams. They are not scams although you have to be on the alert for companies that run mlm as scams. And if you’re looking at your decision as a way to make a quick buck on little risk, then yes, there’s quite a good chance you’ll lose money. However, if you have an interest in creating your own business and supporting great MLM companies and others while doing so (which can include full-time work), then MLM is worth consideration. Sponsoring people online is best done with automated systems that do all the work for you. Find out more here. (Register as VIP Inner Circle To Get Access)

WORKING FOR A COMPANY

Whether you work for a big company or start your own, you can’t help but learn a lot about business as an employee. The experience will be valuable when it comes time to launch your own venture, and most likely make you more employable than someone who has no experience at all. If you are thinking about starting your own business, working for another is a great way to get some hands-on experience in different areas of your industry that may come in handy down the road. It also gives you insight into what it takes to run a successful enterprise from day-to-day operations, marketing strategies and sales tactics.

SELLING PRODUCTS

One of my favorite business models, selling products via an online shop is a great way to bring in recurring income (and, ideally, cash upfront). There are many options for setting up an online shop—some better than others. The first decision you’ll need to make is whether you want your shop on a platform like Shopify or through your own website - your central place on the internet. Then you’ll need to decide if you want your sales funneled through Amazon (with an affiliate program) or simply directly through your own hub/website. Business Model Hub Based Marketers (Affiliate Marketers)

TEACHING COURSES/WORKSHOPS

If you’re interested in teaching courses and workshops, be sure to check out websites like Teachable, and Skillshare, both of which enable anyone with an Internet connection to teaching online courses. These sites take care of all the production requirements, from recording and editing videos, creating course material and forums, marketing your courses (getting students), charging for them (and taking a cut), and collecting payments—the list goes on. Why not leverage their expertise?

Learn more - Resources - Opportunities - Teachable

SALES FUNNEL SYSTEMS (you can sell any business by using this type of system in different verticals)

Sales funnel systems are verticalized and can be sold over and over again in different industries. For example, if you have a sales funnel system that helps insurance agents market their services, you can sell it to other agents in your local area. Or, you could even sell it globally since it’s so popular with local businesses. Learn more - Resources - Systems & Toolsets - Website & Funnel Builder

MEMBERSHIP PROGRAMS

A membership program is a terrific way to create recurring revenue and build out your email list. Offering memberships helps you continue building a trusted relationship with your audience, giving you opportunities for re-engagement, upsells, cross-sells and more. Memberships typically start at $10 per month and up depending on what you’re offering.

WHICH TYPE OF BUSINESS MODEL SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

The question is what are you passionate about? Once you figure that it leads you to your business model.

If you need more help on this topic, then leave us a comment below. Subscribe to our newsletter for more in-depth articles like this one.